“When the first siren went off, I asked ‘What's happening?’ My hosts turned on the radio and explained that Israel had just attacked Iran. They led me to the stairwell and brought us each a glass of wine.”
When former Hadassah National Board Member Anastasia Torres-Gil set off for Israel in early June, little did she know her two-week visit to celebrate an old friend’s “80th birthday festival” would turn into an extended and fraught stay. Every night there are missile barrages from Iran aimed at Israel. She has to seek shelter. With Ben Gurion Airport closed, she has no departure date in sight.
Torres-Gil's hosts, Uri and Yona, who have a countrified life in Moshav Aviihayil on the outskirts of Netanya, have never before felt the need to build a bomb shelter. They've lived in the home they built since the 1960s. Because the moshav is a 10-minute drive from Hadassah Neurim Youth Village, it's also a great place for Anastasia to stay while volunteering in the Hadassah Neurim rehabilitative dog kennels and farm.
After the first night of missiles, neighbors invited the threesome to join them in their shelter.
“It’s been close to 20 people at times, with ages ranging from 6 months to 94. And a dog,” Torres-Gil says. “The owner sometimes doesn't have room to sit, so he stands.
“I don't even know everyone's name in the safe room but they have been so warm and friendly. They offer snacks. They've got gallows humor. I've invited them all to visit me in Santa Cruz so I can reciprocate for their hospitality and friendship."
Torres-Gil is an active member of Hadassah Santa Cruz. She's brought in new members and shared her passion for volunteering in Israel with friends and acquaintances.
“We've reached out throughout Santa Cruz County. I've met so many wonderful people, many of them new to our area, young people."
Though she currently cannot return to her home city, husband and adult children, Torres-Gil has been serving as an informal ambassador talking to media back home about what is happening in Israel.
“I am scared, yes, but these Israelis are so friendly, and they're so fearless. Now I'm getting into the routine of siren goes on, I grab my bag and move fast. Luckily, I brought medications that I need. I'm good for three months."
Torres-Gil rebooked onto a flight slated to depart Israel on July 1 but she realizes there is a chance she might be here a little longer than that.
“I may have accidentally made aliyah. I'm not sure.”
With Israel Under Attack, We Need Your Support Now More Than Ever
Every donation helps Hadassah hospitals take the critical steps necessary to treat patients during this crisis deliver world-class emergency care when it’s needed most – and helps protect the students and faculty at our Youth Aliyah villages.
